Beverly's Shawn Milne looks to lead way at Gran Prix of Beverly

Shawn Milne is looking to utilize the home course advantage heading into Wednesday’s Fidelity Investments Gran Prix of Beverly.

The fifth annual cycling criterium returns to downtown Beverly, July 24, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Christopher Hurley /churley@wickedlocal.com

Shawn Milne is looking to utilize the home course advantage heading into Wednesday’s Fidelity Investments Gran Prix of Beverly.

The fifth annual cycling criterium returns to downtown Beverly, July 24, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

A Beverly native and defending champion from 2011, Milne is looking forward to contending for the top spot once again. The 6-foot, 160-pound professional cyclist will lead an Elite Men’s field which will include last year’s winner Ben Wolfe, along with another local cycling legend Tim Johnson, among others.

Born in North Conway, NH, and raised in Gloucester, Milne moved to Beverly five years ago.

The Independence Park resident has been cycling 14 years, including the past nine in the professional ranks.

“The Gran Prix of Beverly is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Milne 31. “Not only is it a great course and a huge crowd along the whole course, but I am so lucky to have a large amount of friends and family come out to watch me do what I do for a living. I remember being glad to have come second and not only make the podium, but also win the state championship jersey as the winner was from Connecticut”.

The Beverly Citizen recently caught up with Milne to get his thoughts on riding Beverly once again.

First off, how are you feeling heading into race day?

I’d had a fairly busy early part of the season and was racing every weekend for nearly 4 months. Luckily I was able to take a break in early July and am just getting back into the swing of things. This leaves the question of form as unknown. I might be fresh and fast or rusty and out of shape a little bit.

Any added pressure entering this race as a 2011 defending champ?

I think there is some self added pressure to the fact that I have so many friends and family coming and I don't want to let them down. Or better put, I'd like to put on a show for them. But in the past 3 editions that I have attended, I've come top 3 in each so for me maybe that takes the pressure off a little.

What is it about the Beverly course that you find most challenging?

One thing that makes the Beverly course great is the fact that it is challenging. There are a few tight turns that stretch the field single file, and that means you have to put in a solid effort to get to stay in the front. It makes for constant focus for the entire race.

Who are the other cyclists you look forward to compete against?

There are a couple guys on the National circuit who are coming in for the race that I look forward to seeing: Jeremy Powers, Brad Huff. And then of course my former teammate and current training partner Tim Johnson. He hasn't been racing much on the road anymore so I'll savor the chance.

Is there a specific goal in terms of finish time that you are shooting for?

No, just to be first.

What is the biggest secret for success when riding Beverly?

It's all about gauging your efforts and timing them well. And if it comes down to a sprint, be the first guy out of the last corner.